My wobble worries

freeman3030

Hi all,
I've just woken up thinking about money. This time I haven't woken up worrying, but more annoyed at myself.
I'll admit to anyone that I like to splash out and 'treat myself' and I know I'm very weak willed. About 8 months ago I realised my debt wouldn't ever decrease because I kept spending on my cards.
It all started a year an a half ago when we bought our new home. It's a real do-er upper and I'd keep buying materials to just get that bit more done. I'm quite handy myself and my dad's a builder so can really crack on with the work. Anyway the total balance of my cards stood at £5,170.23. To most peoole thats probably not a massive debt but it's a lot for me because I have a low income.
So, I told myself to stop spending on the cards otherwise they wouldn't be clear by the time they reach the end of their 0% deals.
Fast forward a few months (to about 2-3 months ago) and I woke up in a sweat because I thought my Sainsbury's card was coming to the end of its 0% deal. I paid off a good chunk with some savings that I had but still had an outstanding balance. As it happens, I'd got my dates in a muddle and still have a few months left on 0% so I'm focusing on really getting that card paid off. I applied for a balance transfer card and was declined which really made me realise that I need the get their debt paid off.
Since then I set up a spreadsheet and have graphs to show the outstanding balances on each card and one 'total debt' graph so every month I can see it decrease as I pay some off. It really has worked for me because I can visually see the graph tumble.
In the last 8 months I've paid off just iver £1,700 so it's really made a dent in it. But sometimes I really feel like I'm failing - despite seeing how far I've come.
Does anyone have any techniques to suppress the voice in mind my that encourages me to buy things? I see things to buy and it makes me feel so happy when I'm paying for them and take them home.
I now don't visit places like Dunelm Mill, Homesense and the Range because I'm so weak and always walk out with something! 8 months ago we were going out for dinner 2-3 times a week and have really rained it in to a 2-3 times a month.

freshcotton

The fact that you worrying about your finances before they escalate further is very positive. And also that you realise you are overspending means the problem is half solved.

Do you use spreadsheets to create a monthly budget? That's basically the trick. Put aside a bit each month to spend as you wish, guilt free but never go over.

Although i must say, eating out 2-3 a month is still excessive to me

freeman3030

Thank you, yes I do have a monthly budget. I always pay my bills, put aside money for Christmas, car servicing etc. But once I've set all of that aside I generally spend the rest because there's not an awful lot left. I think once I've paid back all that I owe, then perhaps I'll be able to set aside £50 for myself and save the rest!